Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 4/3 – West Coast Whale Population Recovering 5 Years After Hundreds Washed Up Ashore & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 10 to 20 kt and steep seas 9 to 11 ft increasing to north winds 20 to 30 kt and steep seas 10 to 13 ft Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Steep seas linger
into Friday and winds will gradually lower.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 PM PDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

West Coast Whale Population Recovering 5 Years After Hundreds Washed Up Ashore

Federal researchers indicate the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after hundreds washed up dead on beaches from Alaska to Mexico.

The increase in population numbers comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association determined in November that the “unusual mortality event” that began in 2019 has ended.

“It’s nice to be able to report some good news the last couple of years,” Aimee Lang, a research biologist with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, told The Seattle Times.

The agency has estimated the total number of eastern north Pacific Gray whales to be between 17,400 to 21,300, an increase from an estimated 13,200 to 15,960 whales last year.

The population began to decline after numbering about 27,000 whales in 2016. The mortality event hits its peak between Dec. 17, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2020, the agency said. It involved 690 dead gray whales that washed ashore from Alaska to Mexico. Of those, 347 were in the U.S., 316 in Mexico and 27 in Canada.

In an average year, about 35 whales washed up dead in the U.S. Five years ago, those whales washed up on coastlines in California, Oregon, Washington state and Alaska.

Every year in late September, whales migrate 10,000 miles (16,093 km) from feeding grounds in the Arctic to birth their calves along Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.

NOAA researchers said the mortality event was due to ecosystem changes in the northern Bering and Chukchi seas off northern Alaska, which changed access to and quality of prey.

“These changes contributed to the poor nutritional condition observed in live whales in the wintering areas of Mexico and dead stranded gray whales in all three countries,” NOAA said. “This malnutrition led to increased mortality during the whales’ annual northward migration (from Mexico to Alaska) and decreased production of calves. This resulted in an overall decline in population abundance.”

The eastern North Pacific gray whales were removed from the endangered species list in 1994, after recovering from the whaling era. (SOURCE)

Oregon Seafood Industry Calls on Governor Kotek to Halt Offshore Wind Energy Development

The coalition said Kotek is the last hope for delaying a federal plan to lease sites off Oregon’s south coast for floating wind turbines

A coalition of independent fishing boat operators, seafood companies and industry groups is calling on Gov. Tina Kotek to ask the federal government to stop a planned auction for floating wind energy projects off the Oregon Coast.

In a letter to Kotek on Tuesday, the more than 100 signatories said she should stop the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management from moving forward with its plan to auction offshore wind site leases until the state has finalized its own roadmap for offshore wind development.

That roadmap is part of House Bill 4080, which was signed by Kotek last week. It will create state policies on offshore wind energy development that include community input and labor standards.

“We’re saying no auction until the roadmap is complete,” said Heather Mann, executive director of the Newport-based Midwater Trawlers Cooperative, which signed the letter.

The roadmap must be completed by Sept. 1, 2025, according to the legislation.

The letter noted that developing wind power off Oregon’s coast is an untested idea.

“Offshore floating wind energy does not currently exist anywhere in the world in waters deeper than 300 meters or at the scale being contemplated for the West Coast,” the letter said. “In addition to the roadmap, Oregon would benefit significantly by learning from projects that are already moving forward, such as those on the East Coast and in California.”

Other signatories include more than 80 independent fishing vessel operators and nearly three dozen coastal businesses and business associations, including the Columbia River Crab Fishermen’s Association and West Coast Seafood Processors. Coalition members fear the floating offshore wind turbines would disrupt marine ecosystems and Oregon’s commercial fishing industry, with about $200 million in annual revenue, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

“The roadmap is the only way to ensure a transparent and equitable approach to considering offshore wind energy,” the letter said.

Five Oregon and California tribes also oppose the federal wind power plan. In November, the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians passed a resolution opposing offshore wind energy development, in part because federal officials had failed to respond to their concerns.

East Coast, California projects moving forward — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has auctioned five areas off the California coast to develop floating wind energy projects, and it approved six projects on the East Coast. They’re  part of the Biden administration’s plan to build up 15 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2035, with a total of 30 gigawatts deployed by 2030.

The two wind energy areas being considered for development off Oregon’s Coast would add 2.4 gigawatts of clean power – enough to power about 830,000 homes – with installations covering more than 195,000 acres in total. One site, near Coos Bay, would span about 61,200 acres and be located more than 30 miles from shore, while the other site, near Brookings, would cover about 133,808 acres and float about 20 miles from shore.

Last year, the Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management gave Oregonians several months to comment on the agency’s plans, and nearly 1,000 people weighed in. Agency officials also visited Brookings, Gold Beach and Coos Bay last fall to talk to fishing groups, officials and residents about installing wind turbines offshore.

The agency recently denied a request by Oregon’s congressional members to extend a 30-day public comment period on the planning and the environmental assessment that needs to take place this summer.

“Fishermen are hoping that a more forceful response from Gov. Kotek will change the tide,” the coalition said in a news release.  (SOURCE)

Got Your Waterway Access Permit?

The Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access Permit Program has entered the fifth year of implementation; however, compliance is still low compared to other boating requirements.

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature approved the waterway access permit program with the intent of having the Marine Board use the funding for improving nonmotorized access and increase paddling education opportunities in underserved communities. Since the program’s implementation in 2020, the agency has approved more than $2.7 million in Waterway Access Grants (WAG). Boaters can see detailed information about grant funded projects on the Marine Board’s Grant History Dashboard. 

Anyone who recreates on Oregon’s waterways with a nonmotorized stand-up paddleboard, canoe, kayak, inflatable watercraft, drift boat, or any hybrid combination with a length 10 feet and longer, needs to purchase a Waterway Access Permit and be able to provide the permit (printed copy or digital display) when approached by marine law enforcement. The permit is transferable to other nonmotorized boats and youths 14 and younger are exempt. The Marine Board also provides the option for paddling event organizers to purchase bulk 7-day permit certificates to be compliant with the law for their events.

Waterway Access Permit purchasing options through the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Online Store include a 7-day permit for $5, an annual permit for $17, and a 2-year permit for $30. There is a $1.50 portal provider fee with each transaction. Boat rental businesses can purchase permits in bulk at a discounted rate. To use the store, simply click on Online Services, and select the permit option you’d like, then follow the prompts.

Safety is another important facet in all forms of boating and having required equipment onboard. Paddlers need to carry a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved and readily accessible life jacket and a whistle (sound producing device). Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. It is best to always wear a life jacket while paddling. Paddlers are near the water level and capsizing risk increases. People often drown when they capsize if they are not wearing a life jacket. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight. 

The Marine Board also stresses the importance of taking the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the waterway you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and friends. Education, planning and preparation go a long way to you having a safe and enjoyable experience. 

The Marine Board also offers many resources including FREE online paddling courses to help beginners learn the basic skills and techniques to boat safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!

Garden volunteers needed at Shore Acres State Park April through September

— Come share your gardening skills or learn new ones as a garden volunteer at Shore Acres State Park.

Join rangers in caring for the gardens 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month from April through September. Tasks vary depending on the season and could include cleaning out the pond, pruning roses, trimming shrubs, pulling weeds, mulching, planting and helping to remove invasive species.

The 2024 garden volunteer schedule:

• April 19: Pond clean out
• May 17: Prepare for summer
• June 21: Garden clean up
• July 19: Garden clean up
• Aug. 16: English ivy pull
• Sept. 20: Prepare for fall

Sign up for one or more of these events at https://form.jotform.com/240225153017140

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground and trails to the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools.

Dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Remember to bring a water bottle, sack lunch and work gloves if you have them (some will be provided if not).

For more information, contact d@oprd.oregon.gov“>Ranger Hayward or go to https://form.jotform.com/240225153017140.

Governor Kotek Visits the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Governor to visit Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribal nations this year

Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson kicked off a commitment to visit Oregon’s nine federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations in 2024 by spending the day with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI).

“It was an honor to spend a day with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, deepening our understanding of their history and rich heritage, and getting to know and appreciate the services and programs that serve CTSI members and the broader community,” Governor Kotek said. “I am immensely grateful for Chair Pigsley and the Tribal Council’s leadership and for the opportunity to build stronger relationships with the Siletz. These conversations will inform the state’s efforts to develop more comprehensive and transparent government-to-government consultation with Oregon’s federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations.”

“The day was spent sharing program information as well as our history and culture with Governor Kotek and her staff,” said Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley. “It was a special day; the Tribe very much appreciated the all-day visit and looks forward to working with the governor and her staff.”

The Governor, the First Lady, and Governor’s Office staff started their day in Siletz with a morning reception with members of the Tribal Council and CTSI staff in the Tribal Council chambers. They then traveled with the Council and staff to the Tribe’s Siletz Community Health Clinic for a conversation about behavioral health needs of the Tribe and the community at large, the impact the fentanyl crisis is having in their community and the comprehensive approach they are taking to address urgent health needs.

The group then toured the nearby Garden Program, the health clinic’s farm program that seeks to improve the health of the community and Siletz Tribal members by providing access to clean organic produce, outdoor recreation, and culturally congruent activities in a safe space. Next, over lunch, there were presentations and discussions at the Tribal Community Center about housing, education, and natural resource issues.

Following lunch, after a tour of the CTSI museum repository, the Governor and the First Lady were privileged to learn more about Siletz history and culture, including a demonstration of a traditional feather dance by CTSI youth in the Tribes’ Dance House and the efforts behind the creation of the Dance House.

The day wrapped up in Lincoln City at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, which is owned and operated by CTSI.

UPDATE TEMPORARY CLOSURE — Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock Repairs

(Winchester Bay, Oregon) The Douglas County Parks Department would like to provide an update on the temporary closure of the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock, located at 936 Salmon Harbor Drive in Winchester Bay, Oregon.  The Parks Department had to temporarily close the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock on February 1, 2024, due to structural damage that occurred during a high-water event in January.  At the time of closure, the Parks Department was hoping that the assessment of damages and repair work to the dock would be a quick process, but unfortunately that is not the case. 

As with any repair project involving a public use facility, there are numerous steps that are required before the location can safely reopen to the public. In this case, based on the initial assessment a thorough evaluation of damage both above and below the waterline must be completed before a repair plan can be put together by an engineering firm.  The Parks Department has already assessed the damage above the waterline, and currently has a diver scheduled to do the underwater assessment on April 1.  As soon as the repair plan is completed, the Parks Department can then apply for an emergency permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the repair work outside the established in-water work period (November 1 through January 31) for the Umpqua River Estuary.  Once the repair plan and permit are in hand, a solicitation for contractors to make the needed repairs can begin.  Additionally, a log was discovered trapped under the dock but attempts to remove the log have been unsuccessful.  The Parks Department hopes to get this log removed next week before it can cause additional damage. 

We know that the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. In the meantime, if you are looking for a place to crab in Winchester Bay without a boat, we suggest checking out Dock 9 near the west boat launch in Salmon Harbor.  Some fishermen have even reported success catching crab off the banks with a fishing pole crab trap. 

This repair project is a priority for the Parks Department, and staff are working diligently to complete the repairs and safely reopen the dock as soon as we can. Unless any unforeseen complications arise, it is our goal to reopen the Dock this summer.  Public use of the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock is not permitted during the closure.  Public notice will be provided when the dock is reopened and safe to use again.  The parking lot, day use area and beach access at the Windy Cove County Park continue to remain open for public use.  Safety is always our number one priority for the recreating public, and we ask that citizens respect this closure and stay off the dock until it is safely repaired. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue working hard to improve and preserve your recreational opportunities in Douglas County Parks.

Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office –  We are looking for Search and Rescue volunteers!

Our team consists of a K-9, ground searchers, rope rescue technicians, ATV, water rescue and a FAA-licensed drone pilot. We offer our volunteers training in navigation, search techniques and survival skills to name just a few. If you have any questions about how to apply or want more information about the program please reach out to Sr. Deputy Jeff Decker @ 503-325-8635. You can find the application on our website at https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/media/14981

Respect nesting areas to protect threatened snowy plover March 15 – Sept. 15

OREGON COAST, OR – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors that it is plover nesting season on the Oregon coast March 15 to Sept. 15 ­— visitors can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover by observing recreation restrictions in designated plover areas.

Sensitive plover nesting areas will be roped off or identified by signs with rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period.
Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:

*The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.

*Foot and equestrian traffic is permitted below the high-tide line on wet, packed sand.

*Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

“We’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “But it takes all of us, so we urge people to do their part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 433 during the breeding season survey in 2023.

“We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe in the combined 40 miles of protected area along the coast. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in those areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on the hundreds of miles of beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/pcb/pages/pcb-plovers…. and on the Siuslaw National Forest website https://t.ly/AKPAN

Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps at its website to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation…

New plover activity — The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests, and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash.

Background on plover protections — Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, http://www.saveoregondunes.org/ , is working with land managers on a restoration strategy and to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for western snowy plovers, rare plants and animals and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.

SOLVE invites volunteers to register for their annual Earth Day celebration: The Oregon Spring Cleanup

– From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open.

Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.

With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations.

As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: ” PGE proudly supports SOLVE’s efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We’re excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state.” said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.

For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment. 

For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo.

About SOLVE – SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay North County News

HAM RADIO TRAINING LEADS TO LICENSING OF 12 NEW TECHNICIANS

Tillamook County now boasts 12 new licensed Ham Radio Technician class radio operators thanks to EVCNB and a group of dedicated ham radio instructors.

On February 16 and 17, EVCNB offered a Ham Radio Technician Training class which was taught by John Beaston and Bruce Maxwell of Manzanita, and Bill Busch of Neskowin. Twelve students from around the county—Bay City, Cape Mears, Cloverdale, Garibaldi, Oceanside, Rockaway, and Manzanita—finished self-study modules and attended more than 10 hours of Zoom training. 

After the Zoom classes, each student registered to sit for the individually-scheduled online FCC Technician exam. We are happy to report that all of them passed with flying colors! These 12 new Ham operators join 415 other Hams throughout Tillamook County, many of whom are active in emergency communication protocols and practices in the county.

Owning a Ham radio comes with the responsibility of proper usage so as not to create unnecessary or unacceptable interference to other users. Just as drivers and pilots must be tested on their knowledge of “the rules of the road,” before being granted a license, so too must ham radio operators show they understand the rules that govern the Amateur Radio Service before becoming licensed. Trainees must demonstrate that they know, among other things, what frequencies, in what modes, and with what power levels they are permitted to operate.

Licensed amateur radio operators are invaluable resources to local CERT teams and emergency response professionals. When nothing else is functioning and the communication grid goes down, Ham radios will still work and Ham operators become front line responders by providing emergency information to and between each other, first responders, and citizens. No matter how remote or chaotic a disaster area is, Ham radios will find a way to bring communications where and when needed. https://evcnb.org/news-updates/ham-radio-training-022024?fbclid=IwAR1CHrvCgLOqLb73mqeQVIPCCdrqw3kcbCa4jVdZQPWVM2GwNr4lHW-S1mI

Learn important communication skills necessary during an emergency. You’ll be able to use your Yellow Radio to keep in touch with neighbors and support services.

Register now! https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/yellow-radio-03162024 —- https://evcnb.org/yellow-radio

Distracted Driving Enforcement Operations Planned During April

The month of April is designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing traffic safety grant funds to conduct enhanced enforcement operations during the month. The Lincoln City Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in working together to enforce distracted driving laws in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and deter drivers from using their cell phones while driving. The enhanced enforcement operations will be conducted periodically throughout the month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 there were 3,522 people killed and an estimated 362,415 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike, and is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the task of driving to focus on other activities, such as using their phones. During the month, drivers will see increased patrol efforts with an emphasis on seeking out drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones, or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle. The goal of these enhanced enforcement efforts is to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City. 

The Distracted Driving Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our objective is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the roadways to prevent crashes that cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Tips to Watch The 2024 Solar Eclipse 

The partial eclipse over Oregon on April 8 from beginning to end will be just shy of of two hours, beginning around 10:30 a.m. until about 12:15 p.m.

Peak coverage in Oregon will range from 11:20 to 11:30 a.m. when the sun is pretty high, so we should be able to see the eclipse pretty much anywhere, weather permitted.

“You don’t need to go on top of the mountains or anything, but maybe on top of a hill … anywhere that you’ve got a nice, open view of the southern sky,” said University of Oregon astronomy professor Scott Fisher.

Because Oregon is already so far from this eclipse’s path of totality, Fisher said there’s also no need drive any where for a better view. Across the entire state, the difference in percent coverage at peak is only about 5%.

“We’re sort of out on the fringe of the eclipse this time where we’re only getting this sort of 25% coverage,” he said.

The entire partial eclipse from start to finish will be about three hours in Oregon. The moon will begin covering the sun at about 10:30 a.m. and move away at about 12:15 p.m.

Viewers in Eugene will see a peak of 24% coverage at 11:23 a.m. In Salem, the peak will be at 11:24 a.m. Across all of Oregon, the peak will range from around 11:20 to 11:30 a.m.

Weather permitting, the sun will be high in the sky at the time of the eclipse, however, cloud coverage could affect the viewing experience. According to the National Weather Service, both the Eugene and Salem areas are usually overcast 50% of the time in April and only clear about 10% of the time.

NASA will have live coverage of the eclipse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the eclipse travels through Mexico and across the United States.

Coverage will include live views across the path, expert commentary and live demonstrations

Solar Eclipse Viewing Safety Tips

• Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as it is harmful to your eyes at any time during a partial eclipse.
• Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark tinted, are not safe for viewing.
• Eclipse glasses are the best option. Be sure they are made by companies recommended by the American Astronomical Society and NASA certified. These glasses should have the International Organization for Standardization icon and must have the ISO reference number 12312-2.
• Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use. If torn, scratched or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
• Without eclipse glasses, a simple and safe way to view the eclipse is to watch the sun’s image projected onto a piece of paper. Poke a small hole in an index card with a pencil point, face it toward the sun and hold a second card 3 or 4 feet behind it in its shadow. You will see a projected image of the sun on the second card.
• Do not look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer, as the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury. These require different types of solar filters that attach to the front of the device.

83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:

• 6′ 00″
• 150 lbs
• Gray hair
• Brown eyes
• Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
• May have a walking cane
• Has dementia and PTSD

Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:

• 1999 Toyota Van
• White
• Oregon license plate: WYN 788

If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com